Obverse. Photo © Katz Auction
  • 2000 Forint 1997, KM# 722, Hungary, Old Balaton Ships, Helka & Kelén
  • 2000 Forint 1997, KM# 722, Hungary, Old Balaton Ships, Helka & Kelén
Description

On September 21, 1846, the Balaton Steam Navigation Company marked Count István Széchenyi's birthday by launching its paddlewheel steamship, the Kisfaludy, in Füred. Renovations in 1869 sustained its service until its retirement on September 21, 1887. Count Mihály Eszterházy and partners established a new shipping firm in 1888, unveiling the Baross in April 1891 and the Rohan in June 1890. Additional vessels, Kelén and Helka, were crafted in Siófok in 1891. The fleet grew with the Kisfaludy in 1909 and the Jókai in 1913, concluding the steamship era on Lake Balaton. World War II inflicted severe losses on the fleet, sparing only the Kelén and Tünde. In 1948, nationalization occurred, spurring the construction of larger ships like the 600-seat Beloiannisz in 1952. The introduction of 11 aluminum boats, dubbed "water buses," began in 1956. In 1963, coastal motorships Hévíz and Keszthely were repurposed for lake service. Ferry modernization and capacity expansion commenced in 1985, including the formation of a nostalgia fleet. The 170th navigation season in 2016 saw the launch of the renovated Siófok catamaran. The year also marked the 125th anniversary of the oldest active ships, Kelén and Helka, celebrated by BAHART (Balaton Shipping Corporation).

Engraver: Bartos István

Obverse

Depicts the twin ships "Helka" and "Kelén" sailing on the water at the center. Above this central image, the coin's series name is inscribed in a semicircle. In the lower third of the coin, the inscriptions "HELKA" and "KELÉN" are arranged one below the other, separated by a horizontal S-line, with the year of their launch positioned in the center.

In an ancient tale, a majestic castle once graced the summit of Tihany Mountain, where dwelled the wealthy yet blind Prince Rohan and his two daughters, Horka and Helka. Horka, the elder, possessed beauty marred by wickedness, while Helka radiated kindness. Despite their differences, suitors sought their hands, only to be deterred by Horka's harsh voice. Desperate for suitors, Prince Rohan offered half his kingdom to anyone who could improve her voice. Many attempted, including Thuz herceg, but to no avail. Eventually, a fairy emerged from Lake Balaton, offering to cure Horka's voice with a magic ring in exchange for a lock of Helka's golden hair. Thuz succeeded, but reneged on his promise to return the ring to the fairy. Upon Kelén's arrival to reclaim the stolen ring, he was scorned and dismissed, finding solace with Helka. To their surprise, true love blossomed between Helka and Kelén. Learning of her sister's treachery, Helka conspired with Kelén to claim the kingdom from Horka. Consumed by jealousy, Horka and Thuz sought dark magic to eliminate their rivals. Yet fortune favored Helka and Kelén when they saved the life of a benevolent wizard, who transformed the wicked couple into a crow and a wild boar, and in gratitude for their kindness, restored Prince Rohan's sight. Thus, they inherited the kingdom and lived happily ever after.

RÉGI BALATONI HAJÓK
HELKA
KELÉN
1891

Reverse

Depicts a serene scene from Lake Balaton, showcasing the silhouette of the Badacsony mountain in the background, sailboats gracefully navigating the water, and reeds visible on the right side. Positioned above the central motif is the country name (Hungarian Republic) in a semicircle. At the bottom, the denomination is followed by inscriptions arranged horizontally, including the year of issue and the mintmark (BP). The engraver's initials (BiP) are located on the right edge.

MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
2000
FORINT
1997
BP.
BiP

Edge

2000 Forint

Third Republic
KM# 722 Schön# 227 Adamo# EM146
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 31.46 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Budapest Mint (BP)

Related coins

Third Republic, Phoenix

Old Balaton Ships

Silver, 31.46 g, ⌀ 38.61 mm